Robert Kosmo, 93, Pharmacist's Mate in the U.S. Navy

Bob was born in Lorain and remained a life-long resident of the city. He was a 1945-A graduate of Lorain High School and later attended The Ohio State University. He also proudly served as a Pharmacist’s Mate in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1946.

He was most recently employed as manager of the Fuel and Power Department at U.S. Steel’s Lorain-Cuyahoga Works; he retired from that position in 1986 following thirty-eight years of service with the steel producer. He formerly served as the proprietor of a record shop situated in downtown Lorain.

Bob was carried through his 93 years by his love for his wife and family. He possessed a hardy, curious spirit, a steadfast faith coupled with a cheerful countenance, along with an acknowledgement of the presence of a guardian angel in his life as confirmed by many stories.

He had the affections of his family, especially the kids since he loved playing (really playing) with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Be it building a gigantic snowman or improvising a water slide, he, as described by his granddaughter, as “able to manufacture fun”.

To say that Bob was a handyman is a gross understatement. He had a methodical mind and a natural mechanical aptitude that allowed him to develop and accumulate countless skills throughout his lifetime. His mother-in-law always proclaimed that “Bob could fix anything." And he could.

He was a devoted member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Lorain and was also a long-time member of the Lorain Senior Fellowship. In addition, he was a patron of the Lorain Historical Society.

Bob was fiercely self-reliant and remained an active nonagenarian continuing to mow his lawn, and manage his home and personal affairs right up until the last few months of his life. Even so, he found time to enjoy old westerns (horse operas) like Gunsmoke and Bonanza as well as Star Trek and the Big Bang Theory. He was an ardent fan of the Ohio State Buckeye football program and cheered mightily for them, especially during the annual clash with Michigan. He also was a fan of the Cleveland Browns.

Bob is survived by daughters Kathleen Wiles (Tim) of Spencer and Judy Kosmo of Avon Lake, along with his son Rob Kosmo (Judy) of Amherst. He also leaves grandchildren Gretchen Lovelady (Eric), Grant Wiles, and Michael Kosmo (Emily), and great grandchildren Falon, Vayda, Devon, Chase, and Paige.

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years Betty (nee Ehrsam) in 2019, by his parents Michael and Anna (nee Jencs) Kosmo, and siblings Mary, John, Helen, Ann, George, Edward, Virginia, and Michael in infancy.

Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel -3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Facial masks will be required for all visitors and guests are instructed to follow the Covi-19 protocol displayed at the funeral chapel entrance and throughout the building. Graveside services will be conducted privately on Tuesday at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst Township.

Contributions in his memory are encouraged to either St. John’s United Church of Christ or the American Cancer Society. To share your memories and condolences with Bob’s family, please visit www.gluvna.net.